NECSN comments on Dr. Steve Perry's Buffalo appearance

Nationally recognized educator Dr. Steve Perry is the keynote speaker at tonight's Buffalo Public Schools Parent Assembly and Summit! Dr. Perry is a fierce advocate for educating low-income, minority children, and he is never afraid to challenge the status quo. This has made some in the educational establishment in Buffalo uncomfortable.

The teachers union and their cohorts have turned up the heat and even tried to cancel his appearance. In the face of this opposition, we have fought hard to make sure the need for more quality options in Buffalo has not been lost in the media.

NECSN Western NY Advocacy Manager Duncan Kirkwood had a letter in the Buffalo News this week showing his support for Dr. Perry, saying:

"Perry is a nationally recognized educator with a record of achievement and insights to share. Every graduate from his Hartford, Conn., school goes to college. Unlike Buffalo, Perry has done incredible work educating poor, minority children.

"If Buffalo had tainted water like Flint, Mich., and someone wanted to show us how to clean it up, wouldn’t everyone rush to provide a forum?

"Well, Buffalo’s water may be fine but there’s a public school crisis that’s killing the futures of so many children. Perry is coming to show ways to clean it up. Let him speak."

And today in POLITICO New York, our NY State Director Andrea Rogers showed her support, saying:

"Dr. Perry's goal is to inspire parents and educators to demand more for their children and community. He speaks frankly about the urgent need to improve schools -- particularly when poor, minority families are the ones suffering the most from educational neglect."